יְהוֹנָדָב (ye.ho.na.dav)
ye.ho.na.dav
Jonadab
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Yehonadav means "Jehovah is willing" or "Jehovah has given." It appears seven times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in the books of Kings and Jeremiah. Two distinct figures bear this name: one was a son of Rechab who advised King Jehu during the purge of Baal worship (2 Kings 10), and the other was a nephew of King David known for his cunning advice regarding Absalom’s rebellion (2 Samuel 3).
The first Yehonadab is significant for establishing the Rechabite tradition. He commanded his descendants to abstain from wine, agriculture, and permanent housing, living instead in tents as a sign of faithfulness. This lineage is later highlighted by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 35) as an example of obedience that Israel itself failed to emulate. The name’s meaning underscores the theological weight placed on willing service to God within these narratives.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Yehonadav carries the weight of willing devotion, meaning 'Jehovah is willing.' In the biblical narrative, this willingness appears in two distinct forms: one figure offers cunning advice that leads to tragedy, while another establishes a lineage defined by strict obedience. These contrasting stories show how human decisions intersect with divine purpose, reminding us that our choices have lasting consequences for ourselves and those who follow.
For believers today, the Rechabites serve as a striking example of faithfulness. Jeremiah uses their unwavering commitment to their father’s commands as a mirror for Israel’s failure to heed God’s voice. This comparison invites reflection on where we place our loyalty. True devotion is not merely about following rules, but about a heart that remains steady and attentive to the One who calls us.
Understanding this name helps us see the value of consistency in our own walk with God. Whether in times of crisis or daily routine, maintaining a posture of readiness allows us to stand firm. It is a call to examine our hearts, ensuring that our actions align with the truth we claim to hold dear, trusting that such faithfulness honors the Lord.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Jonadab7×
- and/ Jonadab1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יְהוֹנָדָ֣ב3×
- יְהוֹנָדָב֩1×
- יְהוֹנָדָ֥ב1×
- יְהוֹנָדָ֤ב1×
- יְה֣וֹנָדָ֔ב1×
- וִ/יהוֹנָדָ֥ב1×
Key Verses
-
II Kings 10:23
Jehu went with Jehonadab the son of Rechab into the house of Baal. Then he said to the worshipers of Baal, “Search, and see that none of the servants of Yahweh are here with you, but only the worshipers of Baal.”
This verse highlights Jehonadab’s active role in supporting King Jehu’s purge of Baal worship, showing his alignment with God’s judgment against idolatry.
-
Jeremiah 35:8
We have obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, in all that he commanded us, to drink no wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, or our daughters;
The Rechabites explicitly cite Jonadab’s command as the reason for their lifelong abstention from wine, demonstrating a multi-generational commitment to obedience.
-
Jeremiah 35:16
The sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have performed the commandment of their father which he commanded them, but this people has not listened to me.”’
Here, Jeremiah contrasts the sons of Jonadab’s faithfulness with Israel’s disobedience, using their adherence to human command as a rebuke for ignoring God’s word.